Doha, Qatar: Asian Athletics Association President Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad, emphasised that Asia is entering a promising new phase in the development of athletics, supported by the association’s strategy of dividing the continent into five regions - East Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia - to ensure the effective implementation of development standards. In an interview with Qatar News Agency, Al Hamad highlighted studies presented to the World Athletics, which point to Asia’s bright future in athletics, thanks to its wealth of athletic talent and tailored development programs for athletes and coaches. He expressed optimism that Asia would emerge as a leading continent in athletics across all levels.
Al Hamad pointed out the significant progress achieved through the association’s precise execution of its development plans. This includes the first phase’s success, which saw Asian athletes excelling in major events such as the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the World Junior Championships in Peru in September. He noted that Asia now rivals Europe in several field events, citing Olympic champions like Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra in javelin throw.
He predicted more emerging champions in various field events in the near future. He pointed out that the success of an Asian athlete winning an Olympic gold medal in javelin a feat previously dominated by European athletes demonstra.